(TEANECK, NJ) -- To initiate African-American Music Appreciation month, the Puffin Cultural Forum honors the late Rose Marie McCoy, renowned for her contribution to American music with a performance entitled Write on Rose to be performed by Teaneck native singer and actress, Audrey Martells on Sunday, June 24 at 4:00pm
Rose Marie McCoy, who also resided in Teaneck, was known most notably as a pioneer for female African American songwriters in the predominantly male-dominated music industry of the 1950s and ‘60s. The songs to be performed are ones that reflect her life experiences including growing up poor, finding her voice, moving to New York, and dealing with disappointment.
This program samples from many styles of music including blues, rhythm & blues, jazz, and more. Arlene Corsano, the show's creator, writes of the story, "[it is] an inspiring story of strength, faith, and determination." Performance elebrates Rose Marie McCoy’s influential role in the music industry and the road she halped to pave for generations of artists like Audrey Martells.
There is a $10 suggested donation. Reservations recommended; must be made before 5:00pm on the Thursday prior to the performance: tix@puffinfoundation.org. Sunday, June 24, 4:00pm. The Puffin Cultural Forum is at 20 Puffin Way (off Teaneck Rd.) in Teaneck. Call 201-836-3499 or visit www.PuffinCulturalForum.org.
ROSE MARIE MCCOY, born in Oneida, Arkansas in April 1922, lived on a 40-acre farm with her parents. Having attended school in Helena, Arkansas, where her grandparents lived, McCoy was introduced to blues but soon realized that to become a professional singer, she would have to move elsewhere. In 1942, she moved to New York where she rented a room for $3, worked at a laundry, and began to sing at clubs; 10 years after moving, she began to receive recognition of her songs. "Gabbin' Blues," one of the first songs she had been asked to write, rose to #3 on the Billboard's Rhythm & Blues chart in 1953. McCoy's works were famously recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole, and Big Maybelle. McCoy's versatility and reach are what make her an artist to cherish and remember.
AUDREY MARTELLS, a singer, songwriter and actress will portray Rose Marie McCoy in this one-woman show. When asked about the influential McCoy, Martells has said, "although she was a songwriter in another era than me, her journey has made my existence in the music world possible." Martells, as a talented songwriter, has written for artists such as George Benson and Randy Crawford among many others. Working in the music industry as a songwriter, Martell quickly rose to prominence where she now headlines her own band in New York. She has famously recorded music and toured with Celine Dion, Britney Spears, and Mary J. Blige-to name a few. Martells' CD "Life Lines" is available for purchase online on her website.
The Puffin Cultural Forum is a project of the Puffin Foundation, Ltd. which, through the arts, encourages dialog about issues important to the community. The Puffin Foundation, Ltd. underwrites this and all other Puffin Cultural Forum events and programs in order to make it possible for everyone to attend.
